*Please note that not all states allow for online classes for domestic violence for legal purposes. Please get prior approval to take this class online prior to registering to ensure it will meet your specific requirements1. How do I know if my behavior is considered Domestic Abuse?
Domestic Violence is the repeated abusive behavior by one person in a relationship to control another. It can include physical and sexual violence, emotional and verbal abuse, economic control, stalking, destruction of property, isolation and intimidation.
An individual does not necessarily need to be physically violent to be considered an abuser, but can be someone who is completely controlling over bank accounts and all money that is spent, someone who prevents a partner from speaking with family or friends, or someone who threatens with intimidating remarks to scare and control the partner. It can also describe a person who continuously shows up where the partner is, unannounced, to check that the partner is telling the truth, or reads all incoming email, phone calls and texts.
2. The Statistics on Domestic Abuse in the U.S. are staggering.
Domestic Violence is a serious threat to women. Women are generally on the receiving end of domestic violence. Women account for 85% of the victims of domestic abuse, men for about 15%. Women between the ages of 20 -24 are at the greatest risk of non-fatal violence. An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical abuse by an intimate partner each year. Tragically, about 3 women are murdered by partners each day. Studies show that up to 10 million children are exposed to some form of domestic violence each year.
3. Do statistics change based on level of wealth?
Intimate partner violence affects individuals of all races, ethnicities, and educational backgrounds. However, research shows that people making below $25,000 annually are at a 3-times higher risk of intimate partner violence than people with income over $50,000. People with lower incomes tend to report domestic violence cases¸ while higher income individuals tend to keep the information to themselves. Statistics also show that occupants of urban areas reported higher levels of domestic abuse than in suburban areas. Furthermore, African-American women face higher rates of domestic violence than white women, and American-Indian women are abused at a rate more than double that of women of other races. Unfortunately, only about 50% of domestic violence incidents are reported.
4. What is the impact of domestic abuse on children?
Studies estimate that 3 to 10 million children witness the abuse of a loved one each year. There are definitely increased risks for children who live with domestic violence in their homes. These risks include being physically abused, mentally intimidated, neglected and exposed to violence. Children living in this environment have higher levels of aggression, anger, depression, fear and anxiety. It is important that children are protected from this behavior by either permanent removal from the situation or by having the abuser take DV classes for change and reform.
5. Are you ready to take control of your angry behavior? Have family, friends or coworkers complained about your temper?
The purpose of the class is to educate the client about issues related to domestic assault with the goal of eliminating the violence and abuse. The program teaches what exactly domestic violence is, how to recognize the signs, how to gain skills in communication and how to develop a plan for change. Customer feedback overwhelmingly agrees that taking the class is life changing and in some cases life saving.
6. The court has mandated that I take a Domestic Violence class. Where should I start?
We offer many online options for completing your domestic violence requirement. We understand and cater to clients who find it difficult to attend a set time for a classroom course. This online class contains the same information found in traditional classrooms but is available to you from any web-based computer.
7. There are so many online courses to choose from, how do I know which one is the best?
There are many people who claim to be authorities. Be sure to choose a class designed by a practicing, licensed therapist. Look for someone like Dr. Ari Novick who has expertise in the field of anger and stress management since these are topics directly involved with domestic abuse. Dr. Novick has also been trained in drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention, socialization skills, legal awareness, communication and problem solving techniques, conflict management and resolution, assertion training, and is a certified anger management facilitator and trainer. Dr. Novick has combined this expertise to offer quality education and training to Domestic Violence Class clients.
8. How do I know if my jurisdiction will accept these classes?
While we have a very high success rate for court approval, we don’t guarantee that every jurisdiction will accept them. Different counties and states have different laws regarding online classes. It’s the client’s responsibility to speak with their court system to get approval prior to taking the class. Taking a few minutes to ask for court approval will save you commuting time, money for gas and parking, and the potential of having to miss work to make specific class times.
9. What if I pay for and start the class, and then have questions?
We welcome any comments, concerns or inquiries. Dr. Novick is available to directly speak with Monday – Friday, 9-5 PST at (949) 715-2694. Or, please e-mail him at
[email protected] for a response within 24 hours.
10. Is there a deadline to finish the class?
Our classes are meant to be self-paced. You can log-on and off as frequently as you wish and the computer holds your spot. We don’t mandate an end time. The deadline is based on your schedule and court requirements. For example, you can sit down and get the 8 hour class done in one day, or break it up over 2 weekends.
11. Who will know I am taking this class?
Taking this class is a completely private situation. Enrolling in classes online alleviates the stress of others seeing you physically attending a domestic abuse class. The only people who must know are your legal advisors and the court system. You will never receive any unsolicited phone calls from the AJ Novick Group. All your log-in and identity information is highly protected with our state of the art online security system.